Expertise Since 1987
Rated Excellent
FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS
Last week we held a virtual Happy Hour with Explorer Ventures’ president Clay McCardell, industry veteran Peter Hughes and host Greg Holt, from Scuba Radio. Thanks to everyone that joined us for the chat! You had many great questions during Happy Hour, and we want to ensure your questions don’t go unanswered. As promised, here are the answers to the most common questions we’ve received. Please email our team at info@explorerventures.com if you have a question you do not see answered here.
COVID-19 FAQS
Q: I missed Happy Hour live stream, where can I watch it?
A: If you missed our virtual happy hour on May 14th where we spoke about Covid-19, no worries! You can watch it here.
Q: What is being done on board your boats to prevent/reduce risks due to Covid-19?
A: For the last 33 years, Explorer Ventures has researched, implemented and strengthened safety protocols to ensure that our guests are able to enjoy their diving vacation. In preparation for welcoming guests back to our operations, we will further augment our practices and improve on health and safety measures that address changing expectations amidst COVID-19. Before the destinations closed borders, additional cleaning protocols for cabins, common areas, and the dive deck had already been implemented. These are being further refined along with modifications to pre-trip questionnaires, boarding procedures, meal service, cabin service, and beyond. Read our new Covid-19 operational policies here. This article is based on what we know today – but best practices and the information on which they are based change rapidly, and we intend for our plans to be fluid enough to accommodate new information.
Q: When do you expect to resume your operations on all destinations?
A: It’s become a joke with our staff that we’re still looking for our misplaced crystal ball. In all seriousness, we are taking things one day at a time, but over the last week or so we have been starting to see gradual movement toward reopening in the Caribbean. It also seems that the world is coming closer to loosening travel restrictions but it’s too early to make any predictions. We’re cautiously hopeful that if these re-openings go well, at least some vessels will restart by July. While our goal remains to deliver an exceptionally good experience to every guest, returning to diving will require flexibility on the part of both guests and crew.
Q: How soon before will I be notified if there is a travel delay for my trip?
A: We are notifying our guests a minimum of 30 days prior to departure if we do not feel that we will be able to board them as scheduled for any reason. As of May 27th, 2020 we are rescheduling charters through July 1 for the Caribbean, Indonesia, Red Sea and the Maldives and through mid-July, 2020 for the Galapagos.
Q: How are guests with interrupted/delayed trips being cared for?
A: In general terms, everyone from March to July 1 (or later depending on destination) are able to reschedule with no additional cost for travel within 12 months. For another year after that, the full amount paid, along with any discounts and incentives, are being applied to the retail rate in effect for the new date.
Q: Will you be screening guests and crew on your liveaboards?
A: As of this writing (May 2020), it seems likely that traveling will require some level of health screening which may occur at airports, gate check-in, or arrival at your destination. While ideally, such screening will give us a high degree of confidence that our arriving guests are COVID-free, we will be prepared if such (relative) clarity doesn’t exist in order to safeguard our guests and crew. Depending on availability and testing required en route, we may ask that incoming guests have a recent COVID test in order to board. Fast tests are becoming more available, and some airlines and travel destinations are beginning to perform testing before boarding or on arrival. We are attempting to source tests that can be performed weekly on at a minimum the crew of each vessel, as well.
Q: How will Explorer Ventures ensure social distancing on the boats?
A: Social distancing practices will be encouraged so that guests maintain a safe social distance whenever possible while sustaining the relaxed experience our trips are known for. This will include spacing guests out on the dive deck as much as possible, asking that guests keep control of regulators and masks on the way to the exits and on the way to their seats upon returning from their dives, and replacing handshakes with a nod and a smile.
Q: How has the response from guests been so far?
A: Overall, many of our guests have been supportive and understanding. We are fortunate to have such wonderful clients and agents to work with. Many long-time guests have sent encouraging notes to let us know they can’t wait to get back to their diving happy place, whether that is the Caribbean or somewhere more exotic. We are looking forward to getting back to the new ‘normal’ and seeing all those smiling diver faces we miss so much!. We’ll be ready to dive when you are!
Q: Is the whole EV team safe?
A: We appreciate the number of people who have reached out to check on staff and crew! Thankfully, yes! We have a team and fleet spanning four continents and yes, so far everyone is healthy and taking precautions to try to stay that way.
Q: When will the new Tiburon Explorer be launched?
A: In short, we’re not sure yet. Due to COVID-19, Ecuador shut down all but essential services right before Tiburon Explorer was supposed to be floated. Once all workers have returned to the shipyard, we’ll have a better estimate for the vessel’s new launch date. We’ll be sure to keep everyone informed. We’re just as excited as you to dive on our fleet’s newest Galapagos vessel Tiburon Explorer.
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In summary, from the first crewmember who greets you aboard to the fond farewell at the end of a magical week of diving and de-stressed bliss, we are dedicated to making the experience as safe and enjoyable as we can. Are there challenges? Of course, but we’re working every day to overcome them and get back to making underwater memories that last a lifetime. We can’t wait to start DIVING with you again!
